Long Distance Cycle Trails in Wales, Celtic Trail, Lon Las Cymru

Sarn Helen an ancient Roman Road runs from about 1 mile north of Neath Railway Station and is for the adventurous long distance trail rider, it can easily link into Lon Las Cymru. Info on Sarn Helen

From the photograph to the right you can see that it is not the easiest of trails but it is a superb route into mid Wales and passes through the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park.

Our rental Cycles are built for this type of trail riding to take the knocks so you have no fears.

The right Rental Bike it’s important that you get the balance right between the weight of the bike and the quality of its components. In the drive-train especially. Here at Afan Valley we start with a Giant Bicycles frame manufactured from 6061 Aluminium, Suntour Forks are added with 80mm of travel. For the 8 speed drive-train we use Shimano components and fit Explorer twin wall off-road wheels. A rear carrier is fitted as standard and 40 litre Pannier Bags are fitted as are mud-guards f/r and a drinks bottle holder.

Rental of Bikes with Panniers £85.00 per 6 days, 4 days £65.00, 2 days £49.00

Lon Las Cymru is a challenging and spectacular Cycle ride. This is the Welsh National Cycle Route and is best started in Cardiff (in my opinion unless you live in Bristol) and heads north to terminate on the island of Anglesey visiting Welsh landscapes of such diversity and beauty that it is impossible to imagine them, whilst the towns along the way provide interest, sustenance and shelter.

Leaving Cardiff Bay the route follows the Taffs Trail almost to Brecon then on towards Builth Wells which lies in the heartlands of Wales. From Buith you have two choices the westerly route (which I prefer) or the easterly route the Cambrian Mountains and Snowdonia await the intrepid Cyclist. respite will come on the Island of Anglesey which is the northern point of the route most of the entire route follows quiet minor roads, ancient coach roads and old railway lines.

There are so many fantastic diversions available to the Cyclist that this route can be Cycled in both directions without almost any duplications. Or you may return from RAF Valley Airport on Anglesey by Plane to Cardiff.

For more route planning visit www.cycle-n-sleep.co.uk/rinfo/map%20lonlas.htm

The Celtic Trail in South Wales takes in 610 k’s of the most divers scenery imaginable from Chepstow and the towers of the old Severn Bridge on the boundary with England in the east 'The Gateway to Wales' to Pembrokeshire’s Coastal National Park deep in west Wales.

Journeying along the trail which may be accessed anywhere along its mostly traffic-free route offers Cyclists the opportunity to experience the diversity of the Welsh culture, history and natural beauty. The Trail meanders taking in many places of heritage and interest following along canal towpaths, disused railways, quiet country lanes, into forests, over mountains and along coastal grandeur.

This route has everything including safe cycling and the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park as it’s termination point. It’s possible to spend weeks on the Celtic Trail but most of our customers take seven days to enjoy this part of Secret Wales and return to Cardiff or Swansea by Train once they have spent a day or two exploring the lanes of Pembrokeshire. If your returning by train pre-book your bike on the train. For more route planning information visit